Hyakkimaru was born to Daigo Kagemitsu, a feudal lord who struck a deal with demons to sacrifice his firstborn son in exchange for prosperity in his land. As a result, Hyakkimaru was born without numerous body parts, including his eyes, limbs, and skin. Believing him to be cursed, Daigo abandoned Hyakkimaru, who was later found and raised by Jukai, a kindhearted physician skilled in crafting prosthetics.

Using Jukai’s prosthetics and honing his latent supernatural abilities, Hyakkimaru grew into a skilled fighter. He discovered that each demon he killed would return one of his stolen body parts, setting him on a path of vengeance against the demons and his father. Over time, his journey becomes more than just a quest for physical wholeness, as he grapples with questions of humanity, identity, and morality.

Hyakkimaru is a tall, lean young man with long, unkempt black hair and a hauntingly pale complexion due to his prosthetics and missing body parts. His initial lack of human features lends him an eerie, doll-like appearance.

He wears a tattered black kimono with a distinctive design of white brushstroke patterns. His prosthetic arms and legs are equipped with hidden weapons, such as blades, allowing him to fight demons with precision and ferocity. As he regains his stolen body parts, Hyakkimaru’s appearance gradually becomes more human, symbolizing his progress and evolving sense of self.

Hyakkimaru is stoic, reserved, and deeply introspective, shaped by the isolation and suffering of his upbringing. He is initially consumed by anger and vengeance, willing to go to any lengths to reclaim what was taken from him. However, his interactions with Dororo and others he meets on his journey reveal a more compassionate and empathetic side.

As Hyakkimaru confronts his father, brother, and the moral dilemmas of his quest, he struggles with the darkness within himself, questioning whether his pursuit of humanity is worth the cost of his own soul. His growth throughout the series reflects his inner conflict and desire to find balance between justice and vengeance.

• Quest for Humanity
  Hyakkimaru’s journey begins with the discovery that his body parts were stolen by demons. Each battle against a demon brings him closer to physical completeness but also s his moral resolve. His quest is not only about reclaiming his body but also about understanding what it means to be human.

• Confrontation with Daigo and Tahomaru
  Hyakkimaru’s path leads him to confront his father, Daigo Kagemitsu, who sacrificed him, and his younger brother, Tahomaru, who was raised as Daigo’s legitimate heir. Tahomaru initially sees Hyakkimaru as a threat to their family and land, resulting in intense battles between the brothers. The rivalry represents the clash between loyalty to family and the pursuit of individual justice.

• Relationship with Dororo
  Dororo, a young orphaned thief, becomes Hyakkimaru’s companion and moral anchor. Dororo’s lively personality and unwavering support help Hyakkimaru retain his humanity amidst the violence of his quest. Their bond evolves into a sibling-like relationship, with Dororo serving as a voice of reason and hope for Hyakkimaru.

• Resolution and Return
  After reclaiming most of his body parts and confronting the demons and his family, Hyakkimaru chooses to spare his brother and father, signaling his rejection of the cycle of hatred and vengeance. Decades later, he returns to his birthplace, reuniting with Dororo and reflecting on the journey that defined his life.